Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
This is a unique ceremonial cave exploration tour, an experience of a lifetime! You get to immerse into this impressive cave system once used by the ancient Maya to perform sacrificial rituals. You will be accompanied by a professionally trained, licensed tour guide. To access this ceremonial site you swim, follow underground tunnels, passageways and burial chambers decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient clay pottery.
This tour begins at 8:00am and concludes around 3:00pm.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A minimum of 2 (two) people per booking is required
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or the option to do a different tour (surcharges may apply)
Not available for children shorter than 40" in height.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
ATM Cave is located within the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. It's located approximately one hour drive south east of San Ignacio Town in the Teakettle Village. A thirty minute hike through jungle trails and river crossings will bring you to the entrance of the cave. A short swim, approximately 15 feet allows access to “Xibalba” the Maya underworld. From here you will be guided by your headlamp, navigating your way through the cave to the main plaza, where burial chambers can be found. Along the way you will learn about the sacrificial ceremonies that took place in this sacred place thousands of years ago. Intact calcified remains, ancient artifacts and altars where Maya leaders would make blood offerings, tell the story of what once took place. You will return to your hotel or resort mid-afternoon with stories to tell of your adventure and memories to last a lifetime.
Sample Menu
main
Belizean BBQ Chicken
BBQ Chicken, served with the traditional Belizean Rice & Beans, Fried Plantains, Flour Tortillas, and Cole Slaw.
What‘s Included
Equipment
Bottled water
Professional guide
Towels
Park Entrance Fees
Lunch and refreshments are included. Do let us know if there are any dietary restrictions or preferences we should know about.
Transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio
Pickup included
Reviews
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Loved it !
Angela H,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Myself, my 20 yr old, and my 17 yr old, all agree that this was one of the BEST tours that we have ever done! EVER! And we travel a lot! The water is warm, and the caverns are extensive, gorgeous, intriguing and safe. We saw kids as young as around 8-10 and they loved it too. The guides are knowledgeable about the history, stories, ruins and geology of the area and create a memorable narrative about the Mayan culture of way-back-when. We went early in the morning and I really recommend this! As we were coming out, it was getting quite busy with groups coming in. It isn't that strenuous, but there is a little bit of climbing over rocks and a few places where you have to squat and walk a few steps. That's it. I've got a bad knee and back and it was fine. The guides tell you Exactly where your right hand goes, your left hand, your right foot, then left foot... so there is no guessing. HIGHLY recommend! If you remember, I'll bet the guides could use a pair of new socks as a fun, extra part of their tip. And, bonus - Excellent Lunch too!
Highlight of our vacation
Brittany M,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the highlight of our trip to Belize. My husband and I brought our 11-year-old and this was everyone's favorite excursion. Dimas was a wonderful guide and the tour was fascinating and exciting.
great experience
margaretkA8012YM,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience. We were picked up from our hotel as promised on time. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and lunch was delicious. One thing I wish were done better is to match the groups based on physical abilities. This should be a part of the registration process for such a physically demanding activity. We had a young girl who was not physically prepared at all, nor dressed for it (she was wearing a long cape with a hood). Will be back with the family, but next time we will ask for a private group.
Dimas you are AWESOME!
Alicia F,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was truly the most incredible experience we have ever had! What a honor to walk in Mayan foot steps and experience the sacredness of the cave. Our guide Dimas was AMAZING!! He was a wealth of knowledge, excellent in guiding us safely through the cave and we truly enjoyed our conversations with him. 10/10 recommend!
Magical, strenuous and wet
58sarip,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hector is a real professional. He was careful, friendly, patient and knowledgeable. The tour is physically challenging and very wet.
ATM great experience
F2664PKwilliamm,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. A spectacular cave in which you swim, hike, crawl, and squeeze through tight areas to view huge underground caverns and thousands of actual Mayan artifacts, including bowls and bones. Hector, our guide was very knowledgeable, and helped us get through the cave every step of the way. Towels, helmets, headlights, water, and life preservers are provided, as well as a huge delicious lunch.
best experience
sea-moon-e,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for an incredible great day at the ATM caves. Everything was organized perfectly from pick up to lunch. The friendliness and expertise of drivers and guides were outstanding and made our tour one of the best experiences in Belize.
Adventure & informative!
Mike henders,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour to the ATM cave. The pickup process was on time and everything went to schedule. We arrived to the cave around 8am which was fantastic as we were ahead of the other groups. We felt very safe doing this tour and we learnt a lot. Some parts were a bit tricky/physical but it really is suited to most fitness levels/abilities. I would book through these guys again!
A travel trifecta!
patriciapV2481JY,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mayan history, geology and adventure! The ATM experience is exhilerating, and we highly recommend Cayo Inland services, who provided an excellent guide, Hector, whose knowledge and expertise made the day interesting and safe, and a jovial and attentive driver, Wayne, who made sure it all came together as needed. Good advice from Ruben at the office in town to go early and beat the crowds. A must-do in San Ignacio.
This tour is a must when...
Janina E,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a must when you visit Belize. Don’t be scared of the cold water, it’s not bad at all. You learn so much about the Mayan culture and the lunch that’s included is delicious (and not just a little sandwich but a full meal). Highly recommend!
From US$140.00
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Operated by Cayo Inland Expeditions